If you can’t decide between luxury and grit, then West Hollywood is the perfect place to spend your honeymoon; it has a little bit of everything. And if you’re into the history of music, then West Hollywood may be your paradise. At a mere five square kilometres, West Hollywood knows how to pack a punch in such a small space. The trendy area of Los Angeles offers unlimited entertainment options and a truly unforgettable honeymoon experience.
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Where to stay
To start, you’ll need the perfect accommodations. The London West Hollywood is an ideal honeymoon destination for a perfect location. The property consists of 226 suites (with amazing bathtubs!) and a rooftop pool exclusively for guests, complete with private cabanas. The complimentary breakfast is much more than your average continental fare, with scrumptious pastries and extra yummy parfaits. Be sure to stop by the London Bar and Sitting Room for a quick bite or afternoon tea (it is London, after all).
Not far, you’ll find 1 Hotel West Hollywood. Newer to the neighbourhood, this unforgettable honeymoon hotel has already made a reputation for itself as a sustainable sanctuary for its guests. The earth-friendly focused décor includes 75 tons of Californian fallen trees and hundreds of plants, both inside and out. Harriet’s Rooftop, an elevated cocktail lounge, is a can’t-miss with its panoramic views of the area. Don’t forget to order the JoJo cocktail – it’s delicious!
A third option is the West Hollywood EDITION. This is where you’ll find luxurious rooms, suites and penthouses with floor-to-ceiling windows providing epic views of Los Angeles and the perfect setting for an unforgettable honeymoon. The Lobby Bar is perfect for pre-dinner drinks or late-night cocktails and has a clean, modern look and feel. After wandering up and down Sunset Blvd. all day, you’ll want to book an appointment at the Spa. Partake in a relaxing couples massage, or experience a sound bath for something completely different.
What to do
There’s plenty to do in West Hollywood, but you’ll also want to explore the neighbouring areas a little bit. For instance, can you even say you went to Hollywood without hiking to the Hollywood sign? Bikes And Hikes has several tour options available. Choose from their 1.5-hour hike or the 3-hour hike. Both will take you as close as you can possibly get to the Hollywood sign. The walk is fairly easy, but you should be in good health and prepared to sweat. You can also try the 3-hour bike tour of Hollywood. Whichever tour you choose, your guide will be full of Hollywood facts; it’s a great way to experience an unforgettable honeymoon.
And after you walk to the Hollywood sign, get ready to walk again! If you love music, you have to do Jon D’Amico’s Rock ‘n Walk Tour. The 3.5-hour trip up and down Sunset Blvd. will give you insight into the historic music scene of West Hollywood. Tour guide Jonny (former stage manager for Guns N Roses, Stone Temple Pilots, 3 Doors Down and more) is so well-connected and full of insider info that you won’t want to miss a word.
Don’t be surprised when people are stopping him on the street to say, “Hello.” Everyone in West Hollywood knows this guy. Along the route, you’ll make stops at Whisky a Go Go, The Viper Room, famous restaurants and bars frequented by musicians and celebs, plus get a glimpse into the infamous Rainbow Bar, home of the “Hollywood Vampires” club (Alice Cooper, John Lennon and Keith Moon, to name a few). If you’re lucky, you’ll also swing by Mystery Pier Books, a tiny, hidden-away bookshop filled with rare first editions. Now, that’s how you create an unforgettable honeymoon.
Don’t miss the live music in the area. You never know who will show up to play at one of the famous clubs in the area. Whiskey a Go Go is stumbling distance from The London West Hollywood and frequently hosts jam sessions in which dozens of incredible musicians play all night. You can also give the world-famous Troubadour a try. Either way, break out the leather pants and show off your tattoos.
Stop by one of LA’s newest attractions: the Academy Museum of Motion Pictures. Go behind the scenes of Hollywood cinema, see movie memorabilia and even hold a real Oscar (It’s true; they really are quite heavy!). The special exhibits change every few months, so there is always something new to see. Don’t skip the gift shop; it’s filled with unique souvenirs that any film buff would love.
And, of course, no trip to West Hollywood is complete without a trip to Hollywood Blvd.
Where to eat
West Hollywood is filled with incredible restaurants. Figuring out where to start is the hard part, but here are a couple suggestions.
Gracias Madre is an indoor/outdoor vegan (yes, vegan) Mexican restaurant that you have to try. Who knew that vegan queso could be so delicious? The guac is to die for, and the mushroom quesadillas will have you drooling.
Merois, Wolfgang Puck’s Asian/French/ Californian restaurant located in Pendry West Hollywood, has a mouth-watering menu of dim sum, seafood and dumplings. Your best bet is to order a few plates to share because you won’t want to miss anything.
Katana should be your go-to if you’re craving sushi or sashimi. If it’s chilly, sit outside. The heaters will keep you warm!
Bottega Louie will test your willpower. As you walk in, you’re greeted with every flavour of macaron you can imagine, plus pastries and cakes that are just too pretty to pass up. But don’t fill up on dessert first; try the lasagna or pizza before satisfying your sweet tooth.
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